By Whitley Sway
Senior Spotlight is a McNicholas Milestone feature where seniors are chosen at random to show off their passions. They are chosen by asking Google to choose a random number in the number generator, and then finding who parks in that numbered parking spot in the McNick upper lot. The first senior spotlight is Josie Fortin from spot 87.
Q: What are some things you are involved inside and outside of McNicholas?
A: I’ve been in theatre all four years, president of Thespian society, crew leadership, and youth group in my parish, St. Gregory the Great.
Q: What has been your favorite theatre production?
A: I mean Cinderella was really fun because it was the biggest role I’ve had yet, but we got to take Dracula to state and perform it for all of Ohio, which was really memorable, so probably Dracula.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about being a Rocket?
A: The supportiveness I feel from everyone and kindness. I love the traditions we have.
Q: What are some service projects you’ve been involved in?
A: Every year I help organize some McNick girls to go over Comboni Missionaries for their Taste of Mission event to raise money for them.
Q: What has McNick meant to you over the past four years?
A: To me, McNick is like a second home. Although it feels like this partially because of the sheer amount of time I spend here, it is much deeper than that. McNick has enabled me to grow in my academics and faith, discover new aspects of myself, and hone my talents and gifts. It has blessed me with some of the best friendships and relationships I could ever ask for. McNick’s supportive atmosphere has helped through everything I have experienced these past years, also preparing me for whatever I will face in the future. I am so forever grateful for McNick.
Q: What has theatre meant to you and how have you grown from it?
A: McNick theatre is the place where I feel loved, safe, and appreciated. Theatre is never a solo activity – I am always working alongside others in order to produce something wonderful. I think that this sense of community, along with my love for performing, is what continues to bring me back to McNick theatre. The bonds I have made with others in theatre are some of my closest friendships. This program has seen me through my lowest lows and my highest successes. Through participating in theatre, I have advanced my performing skills. More than that, however, I have grown in my confidence, leadership, compassion, and my sense of self. That is just the surface of what the McNick Theatre Program means to me, but if I could sum it up in one word it would be this – Family.
Q: Why did you join CREW leadership?
A: I joined CREW leadership initially freshman year because I was curious! At my grade school, there weren’t defined leadership positions or programs, so this intrigued me as it was all new. After experiencing CREW leadership, I continued throughout my high school career because of valuable leadership skills I was building in myself. I think that CREW leadership has given me an opportunity to voice my opinions, expand my critical thinking, and collaborate with others. I am very grateful that as a freshman I took a chance on CREW leadership.
Q: What is your favorite McNick tradition and why?
A: My favorite McNick tradition is probably Mardi Gras, although I also love Boom Chicka Boom! I really appreciate the deep history of Mardi Gras, as we appreciate all those who came before us. It is an event that unites not just the students at McNick, but also alumni who walked these halls and contributed their gifts in the past. I believe it is so important to recognize those in our community who contribute their time and dedication to academics, service, extracurriculars, and more. Being on Mardi Gras honor guard my sophomore year was one of the greatest honors of my high school career. Plus, the dance after is always fun. Along with that, I love Boom Chick Boom. Whenever we chant this together after a win, I feel intense Rocket spirit and pride from everyone.
Now click this link below to see five questions with Fortin!
The McNicholas Milestone 